Articulated Motion Simulator

Abstract

A highly dynamic motion simulator comprised of an occupant platform 22 which is supported and articulated between two vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms 21 and 23 . The five degrees of freedom embodiment produces motion with five degrees of freedom (FIG. 1 ). The six degrees of freedom embodiment adds a longitudinal translation assembly which produces motion with six degrees of freedom (FIG. 2 ). This design minimizes inertial mass providing high dynamic performance.

1 . A motion generating machine, comprising:
 (a) an occupant platform with locations for one or more occupants,   (b) two vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms,   (c) two multi-axis pivot joints,   (d) said multi-axis pivot joints being any combination of Rzeppa joints, Birfield joints, constant velocity joints, yoke and spider universal joints, ball joints, tie-rod joints, spherical bearings, hinges, and functionally equivalent mechanisms,   (e) first end of each said multi-axis pivot joint attached to one longitudinal endpoint of said occupant platform,   (f) second end of each said multi-axis pivot joint attached to one said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanism,   (g) one or more actuators of said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms being capable of simultaneous multi-axis translation of attached said multi-axis pivot joints,   (h) a control system controlling actuator(s) of said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms,   (i) a graphics system capable of generating images viewable by occupant(s) using head mounted displays or flat panel displays, and   (j) said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms, and said multi-axis pivot joints providing mechanical support, rotation, and translation of said occupant platform in any combination of pitch, roll, yaw, heave, and sway.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1  wherein said occupant platform cannot be rotated around its longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 1  wherein said occupant platform can be partially rotated around its longitudinal axis by one or more actuators. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1  wherein said occupant platform can be rotated around its longitudinal axis in unlimited amounts by one or more actuators. 
     
     
         5 . A motion generating machine, comprising:
 (a) an occupant platform with locations for one or more occupants,   (b) two vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms,   (c) two multi-axis pivot joints,   (d) said multi-axis pivot joints being any combination of Rzeppa joints, Birfield joints, constant velocity joints, yoke and spider universal joints, ball joints, tie-rod joints, spherical bearings, hinges, and functionally equivalent mechanisms,   (e) first end of each said multi-axis pivot joint attached to one longitudinal endpoint of said occupant platform,   (f) second end of each said multi-axis pivot joint attached to one said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanism,   (g) one or more actuators of said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms being capable of simultaneous multi-axis translation of attached said multi-axis pivot joints,   (h) a control system controlling actuator(s) of said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms,   (i) a graphics system capable of generating images viewable by occupant(s) using head mounted displays or flat panel displays,   (j) said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms being attached to a longitudinal translation mechanism,   (k) one or more actuators of said longitudinal translation mechanism being capable of translation of said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms, and said occupant platform,   (l) a control system controlling actuator(s) of said longitudinal translation mechanism, and   (m) said longitudinal translation mechanism, and said vertically oriented multi-axis translation mechanisms, and said multi-axis pivot joints providing mechanical support, rotation, and translation of said occupant platform in any combination of pitch, roll, yaw, heave, sway, and surge.   
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 5  wherein said occupant platform cannot be rotated around its longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 5  wherein said occupant platform can be partially rotated around its longitudinal axis by one or more actuators. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 5  wherein said occupant platform can be rotated around its longitudinal axis in unlimited amounts by one or more actuators.